by beauty expert, Katey Kristabelle
Another February 14th is upon us, and whether you’re flying solo or happily nesting in a relationship, there are plenty of self care gestures and activities you can enjoy alone or with your partner that don’t involve material gifts.
image via pinterest
Breakfast in bed
I’ve romanticized breakfast ever since the first time I watched Breakfast At Tiffany's. Even though Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly’s act of self care involves heading over to her favourite jewelry store to enjoy her croissant, I think the same calm can be achieved comfortably in bed. Breakfast is so often overlooked and rushed because of our fast paced lives. Take the time to slow down and enjoy your favourite breakfast dish in bed to start your day off right.
image from pinterest
Bake something sweet
Have your cake and eat it too this Valentine’s day because there is nothing like the smell of something baking in the oven to uplift your spirit. Baking as a couple is great because you’ll have someone to help tidy up the mess. If you’re alone, you won’t have to share the finished treats (sounds like a win-win situation either way).
image from pinterest
Romantic dinner
Don’t worry we’re ALMOST through with all the food activities. The way to the heart is through the stomach after all, right? Whether you enjoy a home cooked meal, or prefer to order in, have your favourite dinner! A romantic dinner is a classic Valentine’s day act we can all appreciate. Eating like you love yourself is self care.
Your favourite drink
Surprise your loved one, this could be a relative, your best friend, or romantic partner with their favourite drink. There were busy days at the salon where I would have cried if someone popped by to bring me my favourite lavender chai latte or smoothie. Use a food service app to order your person a surprise drink because it’s the small gestures that sometimes make a big impact. We all just want to feel acknowledged and appreciated.
image from pinterest
Chocolate covered strawberries
I keep seeing DIY chocolate covered strawberries on TikTok, and I’m here for it. Thank me later.
Dress up or dress down
Whatever is going to make you feel powerful and beautiful. I love a good dress-down day, but for some of us during these lockdown measures that is all we have been doing. So, style your hair, put your face on, take some selfies. However, if this sounds like the LAST thing you want to do right now, find the softest loungewear set you own and wrap yourself up in that burrito blanket because you’re worth it.
image from pinterest
Skincare
Nothing says “I love you” better than a facial, or maybe that is just the aesthetician in me speaking. Taking time to polish, mask, and moisturize your skin has become the ultimate self care gesture of our generation. Teach your partner all about skincare and have a mini spa day at home, or enjoy some quiet time just you and your exfoliating products.
Massage
Whether you use a crystal roller (like the ArteStile rose quartz roller) , massage stone, or your hands, an intuitive scalp/face/body massage is an intimate way to get in touch with your partner’s or your own energy. Massage helps to stimulate lymphatic flow, release tension, and stress. The power of touch is so healing, and you don’t have to be a pro, just do what feels good, communicate, and use your favourite lotion or body oil. Remember never mix speed with pressure so if you’re using fast motions make sure to press lightly, and if you want to apply deep pressure, be mindful to move nice and slow.
image from pinterest
Hot towel after a bath/shower
This is another TikTok trend that I am obsessed with. Couples have been surprising their significant other after their bath or shower, right on time, with a fresh out of the dryer (or apparently they sell towel warmers on Amazon) hot towel. The hot towel recipient is always so delighted and I think this is an adorable way to amplify your shower or bath ritual.
Decorate
Skip the cheesy Valentine’s day balloons and try something that isn’t single use decor. Twinkly lights, candles, plants, table cloths, blankets, and sheets can be added to your home collection or reused for other occasions and can refresh and set the mood in any room.
image from pinterest
Sleep in
Let your partner sleep in or let yourself sleep in. We are all in a better mood when we are well rested, so make it a priority to allow yourself a good night’s rest. The to-do list can wait.
Write a love letter
Sit down and take the time to be grateful. Write a letter to your inner child, your future self, or your partner. Use a pen and paper, remind yourself or your mate how amazing you/they are, and seal it with a kiss. Sometimes we don’t have the words to say out loud but they will easily spill out on paper. Your partner will appreciate and have a new keepsake memory, or you will have made the most important relationship (the one with yourself) a little stronger.
image from pinterest
Watch your favourite book or movie
Take the time out to read a book. Get in the bathtub and get your partner to read you a chapter or sit side by side and turn a few pages through the afternoon window lighting. If you’re not a bookworm, have a movie night marathon - cheesy romantic comedies, horror flicks, whatever fits your Valentine’s occasion mood.
image from pinterest
Glow from the big O
Get in sync with you or your partner’s love language and have an authentic orgasm. I want to make clear that I am romanticizing the female orgasm, so sought after and rare, unlike the common male experience. So ladies, celebrate yourself and get there on your own, or connect with your partner and create the climax together. The hormones released when you orgasm help boost collagen production, lower stress hormones like cortisol, and release happy endorphins that make you feel good. Orgasms also stimulate blood circulation that contribute to the “after sex glow”, why not feel good and look good for Valentine’s Day this year?